Princess Anne: Wootton Bassett has set of values that befit royal title

Princess Anne confers royal status on the town of Wootton Bassett (Picture: PA)

The Princess Royal delivered the Letters Patent on behalf of the Queen today in the town’s High Street in front of crowds of people.

Wootton Bassett has become synonymous with the repatriation of servicemen and women killed in the theatre of battle.

She said: ‘This community has come together in the most extraordinary way.

‘I am privileged to be allowed to add my thanks to those of Her Majesty the Queen and the whole country for the example you set in respecting with dignity the losses that this country’s operational responsibilities have forced upon us.’

It is only the third town to receive the honour and it comes after a petition from the Prime Minister was met favourably by the Queen.

Prime Minister David Cameron was in Wootton Bassett today, along with new Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, who was making his first public appearance since taking over from Liam Fox.

The base for repatriations has moved from RAF Lyneham to RAF Brize, meaning Wootton Bassett’s military role has ceased.